Prepared For This

ByJim Stephens

Reading: 1 Timothy 1: Proverbs 25

18 I’m passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, 19 keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in. There are some, you know, who by relaxing their grip and thinking anything goes have made a thorough mess of their faith. (1 Timothy 1:18-19 MSG)

Paul had invested more heavily in Timothy’s life and ministry than any other individual. He considered the relationship special and unique – a spiritual father and son relationship. Now, near the end of Paul’s ministry and life, he begins to address the matter of handing huge responsibility over to Timothy.

Paul reminded Timothy of prophecies that had been directed to Timothy – prophecies by Paul and other mature church leaders. The prophecies to Timothy were challenging and encouraging messages from God about God’s plan and purpose for Timothy’s life. Paul said that the prophecies directed to Timothy were to prepare Paul, Timothy, and the church for this transition, and to help Timothy be strong and fearless and effective.

God directs things to us to prepare us. Sometimes those things are prophecies, words of encouragement, or insights from our devotional reading and journaling. Other times those things may be challenges, problem situations, divine encounters, and day-to-day experiences. God directs things to us in order to prepare us for his plan to be worked out in our lives.

You and I need to be reminded of prophecies, insights, challenges, and experiences that God has given us to help prepare us for what is ahead. We must be awake and aware so as not to miss the things God directs to us to prepare us for his will to be fulfilled in our lives.

Prayer:

Father, Thanks for caring enough about us to include us in your plan. Thanks for carefully directing prophecies and experiences and insights to us to help prepare us for our part in your plan. Please remind us! We forget so easily! Please continue to patiently prepare us and keep us on track. Amen.